Dancing With the Sweepers

On Thursday, Sept., 13, actor and TV host John Ratzenberger stopped by the factory of Elgin Sweeper Co. in Elgin, Ill., to tape a segment for John Ratzenberger's Made in America.

The show—broadcast Tuesdays on the Travel Channel—profiles American people, places, and products. Ratzenberger and his crew are currently working on the show's fifth season, which will begin airing later this year.

Elgin Sweeper was selected for its rich history—the company has manufactured various types of sweepers since it was founded 97 years ago. The most recent product release is an updated version of its Pelican three-wheel broom sweeper.

Ratzenberger—a contestant of the most recent season of Dancing With the Stars—also talked with PUBLIC WORKS about his Nuts, Bolts, and Thingamajigs Foundation, a group that seeks to encourage youngsters to get interested in engineering, construction, and working with their hands.